Tomen y Faerdre

Llanarmon-Yn-Ial, Denbighshire, north Wales

Burnham 1995
Tomen y Faerdre is an impressive motte, 6m high on the east and 25m across the summit. It sits on a natural rock outcrop, forming a cliff above the river Alyn on its west. An artificial ditch runs around its remaining sides, tapering down towards the stream on the south, but ending in mid-air above the crag on the north. There is no trace of a bailey.

Presumably the site would have commanded the route along the Alyn valley, but it does not enjoy especially wide views; the valley is, however, narrowed here by cliffs opposite. Possibly 11th-century in origin, the site was a local administrative centre, and like Tomen y Rhodwydd was refortified by King John in 1212 against Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, when the rock-cut ditch was either dug or enlarged.

Additional photographs of Tomen y Faerdre

View of the motte with bits of masonry embedded in the foreground.

View from the top of the motte

View from the top of the motte towards the possible site of the castle bailey

One side of the castle is protected by a steep rocky outcrop leading down the river below

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